With its convenient size and fast heating properties, a Blackstone griddle has quickly become a popular tool in many kitchens. But it’s important to make sure that it’s properly seasoned with every use in order to make sure you’re getting the best results from it. So how to season a Blackstone Griddle? In this blog post, we’ll give you all of the tips and tricks necessary for mastering the art of seasoning your Blackstone griddle like a pro! From prepping and cleaning before each use to understanding what types of oil will best suit your needs, read on for our comprehensive guide on how you can ensure that your Blackstone griddle is always performing at its top potential.
What is season a griddle?
Blackstone griddle is a flat top grill which requires seasoning before use.
Seasoning is the process of using oil to form a protective layer on your griddle, which helps with preventing food from sticking and burning. It’s also important because it enhances the flavor of whatever foods you cook.
The process is called “polymerization”[1], which occurs when the right oil or fat is heated at high enough temperatures to form a hard black surface on your griddle. The most important step in correctly seasoning a Blackstone griddle is choosing the right oil or fat. Different fats are better at conducting heat than others, so it’s important to look for an oil that works well with polymerization.
Why do you need to season your griddle?
- Seasoning your griddle is important because it helps protect the surface from food sticking to it, and it also gives your food an even flavor.
- Additionally, seasoning your griddle helps prevent rust and corrosion, which will help extend its life.
When should you season your Blackstone griddle?
- Right at first using: If your Blackstone griddle is fresh out of the box, you must season it before using it. It helps create a strong non-stick layer that makes it easier to cook with, and make sure that you got all of the gunk, debris, sticker residue, dirt, etc. from the manufacturing and transit.
Layers of seasoning on a griddle may build up over time to provide a protective coating that maintains the flavor and healthfulness of your food. When cooking on your griddle, these layers will begin to break down naturally, gradually resulting in discoloration in parts of the surface. While the taste and health of your meals will remain unaffected, you should still regularly re-season the Blackstone Griddle. Specifically in the following cases:
- After each time you clean the Blackstone griddle: Cleaning removes the oil from your griddle, so re-seasoning is necessary to protect and maintain the non-stick layer.
- After 10-15 times of using Blackstone griddle: You may notice that your griddle’s non-stick layer is starting to wear off or become less effective, so it’s a good idea to re-season your griddle every 10-15 uses.
- After a long period of non-use (about 3 months or more): If you don’t use your Blackstone griddle for an extended period of time, it’s best to give it a thorough cleaning and re-season before using it again. Because oils can evaporate or become rancid over time, it’s important to make sure that you start with a clean slate.
- After Cooking Acidic or High Sugar Foods: When cooking acidic or high-sugar foods, it’s important to re-season the griddle after each use. These types of food can react with the oil and cause corrosion, so it’s best to be on the safe side and season often.
- When your food starts to stick: If you notice that your food is starting to stick or burn more easily, it’s a sign that your griddle needs to be reseasoned.
What type of oil should you use?
The best type of oil to season a Blackstone griddle is vegetable or canola oil. The other good option is lard or shortening.
- Vegetable oil is a great choice because it’s relatively inexpensive and has a high smoke point, which means that it can be heated to higher temperatures without burning. Safety tips: This oil can be very flammable, so you should always use caution when heating and seasoning your griddle.
- Canola oil can also be used to season a Blackstone Griddle. It has a similar smoke point as vegetable oil, but it is more stable, meaning that it won’t break down as. Safety tips: Canola oil is also flammable, so it should always be handled with caution.
- Lard and shortening are the other two options for seasoning a Blackstone griddle. These types of fats have higher smoke points than vegetable oil or canola oil, making them great choices for high temperature cooking. Safety tips: Keep in mind that these types of fats are also very flammable, so you should always be cautious when using them.
Can You Use Olive Oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil to season your Blackstone griddle, however it’s important to note that it has a lower smoke point than other types of oils so it may burn more easily. It is best to use it in moderation and keep a close eye on your food as it cooks. The way to season olive oil for the Blackstone grill is the same as the 3 oils above. Read on to do it now!
How to Season a Blackstone Griddle – 9 Steps Detail
You need to prepare tools:
- Blackstone griddle
- Vegetable oil/Canola oil/Lard Shortening
- Paper towels
- Sponge
- Grill Brick or Sandpaper
Step 1: Sanding with the new griddle by a grill brick or sandpaper (for the first time)
NOTE: This step is only done if you are seasoning a new Blackstone grill OR if your baking seasoning is in really bad condition (like lots of flaking that looks like paint chips) that requires you to re- season. This is also a different step for seasoning the Blackstone grill for the first time.
How to season a Blackstone griddle for the first time?
First and foremost with the first one is to take some time to smooth the surface of your Blackstone grill by running sandpaper or griddle tiles over it. Rub it lightly and don’t press too hard as the goal is just to level out those sharper, rougher high points. Once it’s done, you’ll notice an immediate difference in how much smoother the griddle surface looks and feels – trust me, it will make all the difference in ensuring that your griddle is properly seasoned for what comes next.
Step 2: Clean and dry the griddle surface
Once the sanding part is done, you need to clean the griddle surface thoroughly and make sure it’s dry before applying any oil. This can be done using a damp cloth or paper towels. Make sure that you get rid of all the dust and debris from sanding as well as any existing bits of food. Once it’s dry, you can start the seasoning process.
Step 3: Preheat up the Griddle
Once you’ve cleaned and dried, it’s time to heat it up. Remember that step 1 is only for the first time seasoning the Blackstone griddle.
We always recommend preheating, cooking on low, turn the temperature up slowly and giving the griddle time to adjust to the increasing heat. As this ensures that your griddle won’t warp and help the oil spread evenly and get into all the nooks and crannies of the griddle surface. Heat up your Blackstone griddle until it reaches 400°F – this should take around 15-20 minutes.
On brand new Blackstone griddle, we found that after about 15 minutes of preheating, there was a darker black coloring in the center – a sure sign that it had been preheated properly. In turn, this meant healthier meals and a longer lifespan for your griddle!
Step 4: Apply a thin layer of oil
Once your griddle is hot, it’s time to apply a thin layer of oil. Start by pouring the oil into a bowl and then use a paper towel or rag to spread it evenly across the surface of the griddle. Make sure you rub it in thoroughly so all those little nooks and crannies are covered. Also make sure it is evenly distributed with no large areas or puddles of oil.
WARNING: Be careful with hot oils as they can burn you when applied. Warning: Be careful with hot oils as they can burn you when applied.
Step 5: Heat the griddle for 5-10 minutes
Allow the oil to heat up on the griddle for about 5-10 minutes. During this time, you may notice smoke rising from the griddle which is normal.
You will recognize the smoke diminishing as the outer layer of seasoning begins to harden, forming a tighter bond with your griddle. It should also appear slightly darker in shade as if tarnished.
Once the smoke clears you can go ahead and apply another thin layer of oil or Crisco oil and repeat the process again, let the smoke form and finally dissipate after a few minutes. The number of times you need to repeat the process largely depends on the condition of your grill’s surface. It can be 3-5 repetitions of this step.
Step 6: Let cool and remove excess oil
Once your griddle has been seasoned, it’s time to let it cool off. You should get rid of any excess oil that is still on the surface by wiping it down with a clean towel or paper towels. Be sure not to leave any behind – even small amounts trapped in the crevices can cause flare ups or burning when cooking. And that’s it – your Blackstone griddle is now ready to go!
Step 7: Cook and enjoy!
Once your griddle is seasoned, you can finally start cooking with it. You’ll find that food won’t stick as much, making it easier to prepare the perfect meal every time. We recommend using high-heat oil when cooking on a Blackstone griddle; this will help keep the surface from sticking and will help your food cook evenly.
Step 8: Store Blackstone grill seasoning after each use
To ensure that your Blackstone griddle lasts as long as possible, make sure to store the seasoning after each use. This can be done by wiping down the surface with a paper towel or cloth and then using a mild detergent and water solution to clean it off. Allow it to dry completely before putting it away. It’s also important to keep the griddle away from direct heat sources and store it in a cool, dry location. Follow these steps every time you use your Blackstone griddle and you should have no problem getting that perfect sear or juicy steak without any sticking problems! Enjoy your delicious meals!
>> See more: How to Clean a Blackstone griddle
Step 9: Re-seasoning Your Griddle
Finally, remember that it is important to re-season your griddle from time to time. The amount of times really depends on how often you use the griddle and what type of food you are cooking with it. If you notice any sticking or a decrease in performance, this could be an indication that your griddle needs to be re-seasoned. To do so, simply repeat steps 2 through 6.
How often should I season my Blackstone Griddle?
It really depends on how often you use your griddle and what type of food you are cooking. Generally, it is recommended to re-season every 6 months or so if you are using the griddle frequently. If it goes unused for a while or is used infrequently, then re-seasoning may not be required as often. Always pay attention to how well your food is cooking and if there are any sticking issues; this could be an indication that the griddle needs to be re-seasoned. Following the proper seasoning and storage procedures will help extend the life of your griddle.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Seasoning a Griddle
1- Seasoning oil is not suitable: If you notice that the griddle is smoking more than usual, it could be a sign that your oil choice isn’t the best for seasoning. Consider switching to a different brand of cooking oil with a higher smoke point or one designed specifically for seasoning griddles.
2- Sticky food: If you find that your food is still sticking after seasoning, try increasing the number of times you season your griddle.
3- The oil is not sticking to the griddle: If this is the case, make sure you are using enough oil on the griddle. You should also ensure that every part of the surface has been fully wiped down and that it is free of any debris or dirt before seasoning.
4- The griddle is smoking excessively: If the griddle is smoking too much during the seasoning process, it could be because the oil is burning off at a high temperature. Try reducing the heat and increasing the amount of oil to help reduce smoke. You may also need to season your griddle more often if you are cooking food with a high fat content or grease.
5- The griddle is not turning black and glossy: The griddle may need more time to season properly. Try increasing the number of times you season and make sure that the entire surface is covered in oil before heating. Following the steps outlined above will help you get the best results from your Blackstone Grill seasoning and ensure it lasts for years to come.
6- The seasoning layer is peeling off: If you find that the seasoning seems to come off too easily, it could be a sign that either the surface wasn’t clean enough before seasoning or that there is excess oil still on the surface after seasoning. Make sure to wipe down any remaining oil with a dry cloth before storing the griddle.
>> See more:
- How long to grill Asparagus in foil
- How long to smoke Pork Butt at 225
- How long to grill Steak at 400
FAQs How to Season a Blackstone Griddle
How long does it take to season a Blackstone Griddle?
It typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour to properly season a Blackstone Griddle. This depends on the size of your griddle and how often you are seasoning it. The more you season, the better the non-stick performance will be.
Can I use vegetable oil to season my Blackstone Griddle?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil to season your griddle. It is important to remember that some cooking oils have a lower smoke point than others, so choose one with a higher smoke point for the best results.
Do I need to re-season my Blackstone Griddle after every use?
No, you do not need to re-season your griddle after every use. However, you should pay attention to how well your food is cooking and if there are any sticking issues; this could be an indication that your griddle needs to be re-seasoned. To do so, simply repeat steps 2 through 6.
Can I season my Blackstone Griddle while it’s still hot?
No, it is not recommended to season your Blackstone Griddle while it is still hot. Wait for the griddle to cool down before beginning the seasoning process.
Can you use Dawn dish soap on a Blackstone griddle?
No, it is not recommended to use Dawn dish soap on a Blackstone griddle. The best way to clean your griddle is with warm water and a brush or paper towel. This will help remove any excess food residue without damaging the seasoning layer.
How do you clean rust off a Blackstone griddle?
To remove rust from a Blackstone griddle, first use a wire brush or steel wool to scrub the surface. After that, mix up some baking soda and water until it forms a paste and apply it to the rusty area. Let the paste sit for 30 minutes before wiping off with a damp cloth. Finally, season your griddle as normal.
If rust is still present, you may need to use a more powerful cleaner like CLR or vinegar. Make sure to test the cleaning solution on a small area before applying it to the entire griddle. Once the rust is gone, finish by seasoning your griddle as usual.
How many times should you season Blackstone before first use?
It is recommended to season your Blackstone Griddle at least 3-4 times before first use. This will ensure that the seasoning layer develops properly and provides a non-stick surface for cooking. Make sure to follow the steps outlined in this article for the best results.
Can I cook on my Blackstone right after seasoning?
Yes, you can cook on your Blackstone Griddle right after seasoning. However, it is best to heat the griddle up slowly and cook some easy recipes initially so that the seasoning layer has time to set in properly. This will help ensure better non-stick performance and reduce sticking issues down the line.
Can You Use Coconut Oil?
Yes, you can also use coconut oil to season your Blackstone griddle, however it’s important to note that the smoke point of coconut oil is lower than other types of oils so it may burn more easily. It is best to use it in moderation and keep a close eye on your food as it cooks.
Conclusion
We hope this answers all of your questions about how to season a Blackstone griddle. Properly seasoning your griddle will help ensure that it lasts for years to come and that you get the best cooking performance from your Blackstone Grill. Remember to clean your griddle thoroughly with warm water and a brush or paper towel after each use, then season it with oil of your choice. Be sure to let the griddle cool before seasoning and keep an eye on your food as it cooks for better non-stick performance.
Happy griddling!
Leslie Fowler is the founder of Rhythm Cafe, a barbecue restaurant with over 15 years of experience. Leslie is an exceptional pitmaster and grill expert, specializing in smoking briskets and pork shoulders on charcoal, wood, or propane grills/smokers. Leslie has also tried out almost every model of kitchen appliance available on the market, making her an authority on grills and smokers.